New Work: Breathe — Parallel Pandemics: Racism and COVID-19 Mural

Parallel Pandemics Mural — A Portrait of Leslie Herod

A commentary on two simultaneous pandemics plaguing our nation: racism and COVID-19.

Lunches For Clinicians is a non-profit organization that started at the beginning of the pandemic. In an effort to support both local restaurants and frontline hospital workers, they raised over $30,000 in Denver and over $100,000 nationally through grass roots efforts and the true kindness of the community.

This portrait of Leslie Herod who is both an advocate for equality and positive reformation in Colorado as well as the first LGBTQ woman in the General Assembly, symbolizes hope and optimism amidst the darkness of 2020. Painted on the exterior of Improper City, a bar in the heart of the River North Arts District in Denver, Colorado, this mural is a calling for togetherness.

From Marissa, the portrait artist: "I wanted to create a small pocket of hope to focus on strength in this community. We all share roots, and there was something special about watching people come together to help paint those roots, move to music, register to vote and donate to those in need. Whether it's COVID, racism, doubt, or hate, I like being reminded that there's always still a little light. Breathe."

Services: Lettering, Mural Painting
Client: Lunches For Clinicians
Collaborators: Marissa Napoletano, Bobby Lopez, Fireside at Five, Improper City, Leslie Herod
Photos & Video: Connor Holmes, Jeff Fierberg